Question

Subscribe This week we continue review of chapter 8 and 9 and also learn to calculate BMI of Body Mass Index. - role of folic acid in spina bifida - name the two antioxidant vitamins - Is vitamin D an essentia/Vitamin? (remember essential means what must be supplied by the diet as body cannot make it.) - Name the mineral whose deficiency causes anemia - excess Niacin intake can cause dementia, dermatitis and even death. Is this true? - Name the two B vitamins responsible for body's energy metabolism

Answer 1

(1) Role of folic acid in spina bifida: Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps a woman's body produce healthy red blood cells. Taking folic acid before and during the first three months of pregnancy does not guarantee the baby will not have SB, but it can significantly reduce the risk. Research has shown that if women who could become pregnant were to take a multivitamin with folic acid, the risk of neural tube defects like Spina bifida could be reduced by up to 70%.

(2) The two antioxidants vitamins: The two major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene and vitamin C.

• Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: asparagus, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn, mangoes, turnip, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tomatoes, and watermelon.
• Vitamin C: berries, broccoli, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, mango, orange, papaya, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, tomatoes, and red, green, or yellow peppers.

(3) Essential vitamins: Yes Vitamin D is an essential vitamin, Vitamin D aids calcium absorption, and builds and maintains strong bones and teeth.

(4) Mineral deficiencies can lead to a low red blood cell count, low levels of hemoglobin in these cells, or red blood cells that do not function as they should. Anemia is a term for these issues. Vitamin deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused when you have lower than normal amounts of certain vitamins. Vitamins linked to vitamin deficiency anemia include folate, vitamin B-12 and vitamin C.

(5) Niacin overdose signs and symptoms include:

• Severe skin flushing combined with dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Gout

Because niacin has also been linked to liver damage and strokes, most doctors now recommend it only for people who can't take statins to treat high triglyceride levels. If you're concerned about taking niacin, talk to your doctor.

(6) Two B vitamins :

• Pantothenic acid (B5) is needed to metabolise carbohydrates, proteins, fats and alcohol as well as produce red blood cells and steroid hormones.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is needed for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, the formation of red blood cells and certain brain chemicals. It influences brain processes and development, immune function and steroid hormone activity.